Wigan Athletic's Under 18s booked their place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup this afternoon, thanks to goal from James Barrigan, Luke Burke and two for Chris Sang in what turned out to be a difficult encounter at Robin Park Arena, as Latics eventually powered their way to a 4-2 victory over York City.

The visitors twice bounced back to equalise, before Latics took the lead for the third time just 15 minutes from the end, seeing out the result confidently and adding a fourth goal late on.

Barrigan gave his side a very early lead with a stunning free kick, only to have the lead cancelled out by Tyler Walton's header from a corner. Burke then put Latics back in front with his own header from a corner just after the hour mark, only for Brad Freer to burst down the left side 10 minutes later to thump in a second equaliser.

Latics then ramped it up a gear with Sang netting the first of a double four minutes later for 3-2, and then his second and Latics fourth three minutes from time.

Will Ryder's side, fresh off the back of a 2-0 victory away to Morecambe in the Youth Alliance, made a sharp start to proceedings, with Alex Lingard twice darting down the left side as a statement of intent.

An early lead followed in controversial circumstances after York goalkeeper Kieran Price caught the ball outside of his area. No cards were given just five minutes into the match, but Barrigan's delightful free kick over the wall and into the top left corner proved to be enough punishment.

York responded and made it difficult for Latics, packing the midfield and forcing passes.

Kelland Absalom had to be on hand to deny the visitors an equaliser, tipping a fierce effort from Cameron Wilson behind for a corner.

After a period of aerial deliveries, the visitors broke Latics' resolve when a corner from the right side was headed in at the back post by Walton.

Josh Gregory almost had Latics back in front in the 23rd minute after an exchange on the edge of the area with Callum Lang, only for the midfielder's curling shot to be tipped wide by Price.

The first half was a close encounter, but the start of the second was showing signs of a gap emerging between the two teams.

It started with a superb piece of football as Lang played the ball into space for Gregory, who in turn sent Arnie Baxendale scampering down the right wing, his inviting cross flew through the box, narrowly missing Barrigan, but reaching Lang, only for the forward to handle the ball as he attempted to head it.

Seven minutes into the second half Sang tested the keeper from the edge of the area with a stinging low drive, as did Baxendale, who cut in from the left side and blasted a left footed shot at Price who tipped over.

Latics eventually regained their lead just after the hour mark, with captain Burke stepping up in the area to leap and head home Baxendale's corner.

The lead didn't last long though, and within 10 minutes York had equalised for a second time. Latics were caught open down their right side, allowing Freer space to run into, before smashing his shot across Absalom and into the bottom right corner.

Level terms didn't last long either, this time Latics took advantage from another set piece when Lingard's corner was turned home by Sang at close range with a side-footed volley inside the six yard box.

Sang had his second goal of the game and the tie wrapped up three minutes from time, again he proved he was alert in the box, diverting Lang's effort on goal into the bottom left corner from Chris Merrie's initial cross.

The 4-2 victory for Latics sees them into the second round of the competition, with an away fixture against Lincoln City or Port Vale on the cards.